Adults’ skills are acquired through learning and constitute an asset for employers, who value them and use them in the workplace. Formal education and training systems are not, however, the only way in which people develop skills, especially adults and older learners. Skills attained this way may not be recognised easily and individuals possessing such uncertified skills are at a disadvantage when trying to find a job. Therefore, the key question is: how to achieve a proper use of skills and reduce the risk of a mismatch between skills offered and skills demanded in the labour market.

The SKILLS REC project aims to address these issues by creating a comprehensive model that allows for the Recognition, Validation and Certification of Competencies acquired by adults in non-formal learning contexts. Thanks to the development of specific resources, the project will facilitate adult educators to make these uncertified skills visible and have them recognised formally. The project will also promote the acquisition of soft skills amongst adult learners, focusing on the recognition of specific key skills acquired through life experiences.